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Crossbows - Everything about Building, Modding, and Using your Crossbow Gear

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3 posters

    Suggestions for bolts?

    Hotspur
    Hotspur
    Hotspur
    Workshop Savvy

    Did you see my tool collection?


    Workshop SavvyDid you see my tool collection?


    Posts : 150
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    Location : British Columbia, Canada
    • Post n°1

    Suggestions for bolts? Empty Suggestions for bolts?

    Post by Hotspur Thu Nov 22, 2012 5:46 pm

    I’m looking for some advice on optimizing the bolts for my bow.

    My crossbow is built around the Alchem steel prod, 8” draw from a 3.5” brace. The draw weight is 175 lbs. I have a second prod of the same draw and brace with 225lbs. The purpose is deer hunting.

    Currently I have a handful of off-the-shelf carbon bolts, 425 grains. I just grabbed these from the outdoor store to test the crossbow. They shoot reasonably well, but I imagine a sophisticated archer would not be so random in his selection. Also, my crossbow doesn't accommodate the three feather fetching.

    Any ideas would be welcome!

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    Todd the archer
    Todd the archer
    Todd the archer
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    • Post n°2

    Suggestions for bolts? Empty Re: Suggestions for bolts?

    Post by Todd the archer Fri Nov 23, 2012 3:02 am

    I have made some from 3/8" oak dowel from Lowes. Cut them 18" and put two fletchings on. Weigh in around 450 to 500+ with a 125 grain tip. Of course this is not premium bolt making material and you need to sort and grade them to get a straight matched set.

    With the heavy steel prods it is best to use heavier bolts as you won't gain much speed shooting lighter bolts. I have some madefor hunting with a footing of 3/8" copper tubing and tipped with 190 grain simmons intercepter broadheads. These weigh in around 650 grains.

    Suggestions for bolts? Penatrationtest

    Todd
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    Zardoz
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    TinkererIf there is a will, there is a way.


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    • Post n°3

    Suggestions for bolts? Empty Re: Suggestions for bolts?

    Post by Zardoz Fri Nov 23, 2012 8:36 am

    How about some nice, heavy, straight maple dowels. One 48in dowel will give you three bolts.

    http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/ADO-MP48/48quot-Maple-Dowels/?gclid=CPblnZm15bMCFQSf4AodVGsA1Q&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=ADO-MP48&ef_id=UGyYMwAAGNn1oU2o:20121123153452:s
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    Hotspur
    Hotspur
    Hotspur
    Workshop Savvy

    Did you see my tool collection?


    Workshop SavvyDid you see my tool collection?


    Posts : 150
    Join date : 2012-06-28
    Location : British Columbia, Canada
    • Post n°4

    Suggestions for bolts? Empty Re: Suggestions for bolts?

    Post by Hotspur Sat Nov 24, 2012 12:08 pm

    Thanks guys,

    I'll find some dowel and mess around.

    Todd, the owner of Alchem (James)was saying the same thing about the heavier prod, that it wouldn't increase speed significantly, but would throw a heavier bolt about the same speed.
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    • Post n°5

    Suggestions for bolts? Empty Re: Suggestions for bolts?

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